My signature style: Cheerful Casual Wear

 

This week on Project Run and Play, we are asked to create an outfit based on our signature style. This was a little bit hard for me, because usually I just sew whatever pops into my head or something based on an inspiring online tutorial. I really hadn't given it much thought before.

So I started looking back at some things I've sewed this past year:

I noticed some trends:

- I have never mixed non-solid prints. Some pieces might have a crazy print, but if I mix in a different fabric it will be a solid color.

- I really like to use neutral colors (browns, greys, white) with a pop of color. 

- I am not scared to use bright colors. And it seems I like hot pink.

- Although I do sew dresses from time to time, I prefer to sew pieces like shirts and pants. I love sewing everyday clothes. If I do sew a dress, I tend to stay on the casual side. (Unless Eve has anything to say about it. She loves fancy. Remember week 1 of Project Run and Play?)

I've decided to name my style "Cheerful Casual." I think it fits.

Still I wasn't sure what I was going to sew. 

Thankfully, Erin from the Office saved the day for me. Several weeks ago, she wore this awesome cardigan on an episode of "The Office"

I was sold! I think I punched Jason in my excitement.

"Jason! That cardigan! I have to sew it!"

When he didn't acknowledge the importance of the situation, I continued.

"Did you even notice how awesome it was? Where is the remote? Rewind, you have to sit and stare at it for a second with me."

Which we did. It was a glorious second.

I still don't know if he thinks it was as amazing as I do or if he just humored me a little, but I'm going to choose to believe what I want.

I found the picture of Erin on the "worn on TV" website. It said the following cardigan from Nordstrom is an exact match. It does look the same, but the colors seemed much more saturated when I saw it on The Office.

 

Ok, so I know my style and I have my inspiration. Time to sew!

I decided to sew a little tank top for under the cardigan. Living in Kansas, where the temperature fluctuates a lot, we like layers! I used the tank top pattern that came in my new Ottobre Magazine, issue 01/2013. 

(Not the mesh one obviously, although I wish I had a little boy to rock it!)

It sewed up really well. I pretty much stuck to the pattern, which I tend not to do most times. I added a faux button placket to the front. I love a little preppiness!

It's real cute in the back too!

She was a good sport letting me take pictures outside in the cold! It wasn't too bad, but definitely not tank top weather!

For the cardigan, I used a V-neck T-shirt pattern from the same issue of Ottobre magazine:

Instead of cutting on the fold, I just cut out 2 front pieces adding some allowance for the buttons and button holes to overlap. I also rounded it off a little at the V to make the placket a little easier to sew. It turned out great:

And the true test of my sewing skills is how my daughters react to it. Thankfully, Eve loves it! The knit is so soft on both the tank top and the cardigan, comfortable and huggable. She had a blast running around in it!

To finish off the look, I put Eve in a pair of skinny jeans. Originally, they were regular, old purple jeans that were too loose but just the right length. So a couple of months ago, I took them in on both the outseam and inseam and she's been wearing them ever since! They are her favorite pants. Before I sewed them up, she had asked me for a pair of skinnies because she said she really liked mine. So technically, these were her idea in the first place. I think I need to sew her up a few pairs, she looks so cute in them!

Yes, the skinnies were a little dirty. This girl plays hard. And she had just worn these the previous day. And the day before, don't judge! They would have been in the wash if I hadn't needed them for the photoshoot.

She looks good even while jumping, lucky girl!

As my sister lovingly calls her, she's our little "Goober" She has so much joy!

Kicking the leaves. I love a good action shot.

Now, I really need to make Kylie some more clothes. I didn't intend for this season of Project Run and Play to be mostly for Eve. I actually intended on making this outfit for Kylie, but when I sewed up the tank top, I made it too tight and ended up tweeking it for Eve instead and so made her the cardigan to match. When I took Kylie's measurements, the difference between her height measurement was several sizes bigger than the sizes that corresponded for her waist and chest, she's tall and slender. So I made the pattern long and made it more narrow. It ended up very tight on her, so it made more sense to cut it shorter for Eve. Good thing for little sisters!

To see what other people have created for their own signature style, click here. It's so much fun to see other people's creations!

Update: I am also linking this post up to the open auditions of "The Sew Off" hosted by Naptime Crafters.